Dominion vs. Fox News trial delayed until Tuesday

The trial of Dominion Voting Programs’ $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit in opposition to Fox Information has been delayed till Tuesday morning, in line with Delaware Superior Courtroom Choose Eric Davis.

“The Courtroom has determined to proceed the beginning of the trial, together with jury choice, till Tuesday,” Choose Davis mentioned. 

Dominion is suing the community, claiming Fox Information knowingly unfold disinformation in regards to the firm and its voting machines within the wake of the 2020 presidential election. The software program firm was on the heart of conspiracy theories pushed by allies of former President Donald Trump following his election loss.

For his or her half, Fox Information and its mother or father firm, Fox Company, contend that the allegations they had been overlaying had been newsworthy, and statements made on the community had been protected by the First Modification.  

A few of Fox Information’s most well-known present and former anchors are anticipated to testify, together with Tucker Carlson, Sean Hannity, Maria Bartiromo, and Lou Dobbs, alongside the community’s chairman and CEO Rupert Murdoch.

The trial will kick off over two years after Dominion filed its lawsuit in opposition to Fox Information, which has already resulted within the launch of textual content messages and emails exchanged by a few of the community’s high stars. 

Either side requested Davis rule of their favor primarily based on the proof already developed. Late final month, Davis dominated that the proof demonstrated it’s “CRYSTAL clear that not one of the statements regarding Dominion in regards to the 2020 election are true,” and the statements from Fox Information which can be challenged by Dominion represent defamation “per se.” 

However he mentioned a jury will resolve whether or not Fox acted with precise malice in broadcasting the allegations about Dominion and can decide whether or not the corporate is entitled to damages, and if awarded, how a lot.

— Melissa Quinn contributed reporting.